Our goal is to help find the appropriate grants or scholarship to match with those individuals that are in need of financial assistance to further their education or help in developing their business objectives. We work diligently with our donors and grantees to make the proper connection.
Darrell received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from LaSalle University in 1994 and is a Certified Member of the Institute for Professionals in Taxation.
Ron was born in Gulfport, Mississippi and attended segregated elementary, middle and high school there. He began college in the Fall of 1964 at HBCU Xavier University of New Orleans, Louisiana.
Samantha currently works as VP, Human Resources at GNC Holdings, LLC (“GNC”). Prior to transitioning to the HR leadership role, she worked as VP, Assistant General Counsel at GNC where she was responsible for, among other things, overseeing the company litigation portfolio and supporting the Human Resources function.
Luci has experience and a national reputation in the field of nonprofit organizational capacity building. Before moving to Pittsburgh, Luci ran her own consulting firm; Dabney and Associates.
Mrs. Annette Cuffee Gilllcrese, has been a member of the Board since November, 1999. For approximately a year and a half before becoming a member of the Board, she served as Volunteer Secretary.
Rev. Cornell Jones is a pastor, activist, mentor, father and husband. He is currently the Group Violence Intervention Coordinator for the City of Pittsburgh where he brings outreach teams and law enforcement together to counteract and prevent violence in the Community.
Rhonda has dedicated nearly 20 years of her career to serving mission-based organizations committed to addressing societal challenges and is a committed civic leader.
Morton Stanfield is Senior Vice President of Community Development and Community Reinvestment Act Officer for Dollar Bank, responsible for the execution of community development initiatives across Dollar Bank’s footprint.
He is a native of Pittsburgh, and graduate of Michigan State University. Mark spent 13 years working for Price Waterhouse and Ernst & Young LLP providing auditing and consulting services. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 1991. He joined POISE in 2002 as its second President.
Karris M. Jackson is the President and Chief Operating Officer of POISE Foundation, a community foundation dedicated to advancing the African American community. In her role, Ms. Jackson oversees the foundation’s daily operations, guiding its efforts to create meaningful impact through philanthropic initiatives.
Prince has been heavily involved in his home community and other communities across America for 15 years. In the past, he has worked on presidential campaigns, a national political convention, within state government, local government, higher education, and for various community organizations…
As the Director of Programming & Grantmaking, Damion has oversight and ownership of POISE’s fiscal sponsor partnerships including managing the application process, recommending and selecting partners, end-to-end program administration.
Prior to assuming her role at the BEC, Ms. Waggoner served as the President of Emery Consulting Services, LLC. (ECS) a Minority- Owned Operational Consulting Services firm located in Collier Township, PA.
As program officer, Shaqui Scott works with key staff and stakeholders to develop and implement grant programs rooted in the fulfillment of the Poise Foundation’s vision and mission.
Nakiah plays a pivotal role in designing and implementing innovative scholarship programs. Her position involves cultivating meaningful relationships with students, parents, schools, fund advisors, and committees ensuring the successful launch and management of these programs.
Hunter is a recent college graduate from Robert Morris’s Rockwell School of business. He graduated with a Business Administration degree with a concentration in accounting.
Established by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees on October 21, 2021, the Founding Member Circle honors the POISE Foundation’s incorporators and original board members. This special recognition is reserved for those who have dedicated 20 years or more of service to the Foundation, celebrating their longstanding commitment and impactful contributions.
We help businesses and individuals that want to help themselves in our community.
– Mark Lewis | President & CEO
POISE FOUNDATION, Two Gateway Center, Suite 1700, 603 Stanwix Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222